Prof. Ron Gamzu, Health Ministry Director General, said on Sunday that gynecologists had now been instructed not to administer the controversial Depo-Provera contraceptive drug to the women “if for any reason there is concern that they might not understand the ramifications of the treatment.” The drug is usually considered a last resort and is usually given to women who are disabled or mentally ill.

An association of Ethiopian immigrants’ groups previously called for a full investigation into the practice of administering the drug without providing thorough information about its effects. Israeli journalist Gal Gabbay also revealed in a television investigation six weeks ago that women in transit camps on their way to Israel from Ethiopia were sometimes intimidated into taking the injections. Critics have called the practice “forced sterilization.” Gabbay’s investigation found that 40 percent of Ethiopian woman had been given the drug.